9/23 words to live by

Thy word have I hid in mine heart… Psalm 119:11

I get inspiration and encouragement from lots of places – from other people sharing their life experiences, nature, even from some of my favorite TV shows. Mostly, though, I’m motivated by words – expressions and sentiments that seem to settle within my soul, bringing light to dark places, helping me stay centered and focused on the right things. Words might do the same for you.

This post is a sharing of just a few of my favorite words to live by. My list is way longer than these six, but these as of late seem to ring loudest within me. Enjoy.

Living in God’s true love is a process. First, God loves us, and by faith, we receive His love. We then love ourselves in a balanced way, give love back to God, and learn to love other people. Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life – a Daily Devotional

Life is reminding me daily that seasons come and seasons go. So much of what is now won’t always be. Cherish the people and things you delight in. Love on people who aren’t easy to love (life is too short). Make amends. Forgive. Keep praying on the things that are especially hard – they won’t always be either. Cultivate an eternal perspective. . . focus on what will truly last. So thankful that ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever’ (Hebrews 13:8).Kim Cash Tate

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11 KJV

Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. Steve Jobs

I write because it’s cheaper than therapy. I write because it gives me patience. Writing for me is like praying on paper. What I pray for is compassion and empathy, for insight, and writing helps me pay attention. It helps me worry about folks who I think deserve some. It allows me to at least try to understand our shortcomings and virtues as human beings… but also how they sometimes get misappropriated. I want to know why we do what we do, and why we’re always so surprised by the outcome. I also write because I want to be a better person – I want us all to be better. But I accept this award on behalf of all African-American writers whose goal is to help put a smile on a reader’s face, a fire in their minds, and hope in their hearts, because that’s all we have. Terri McMillan, in her acceptance speech at the 2002 Essence Awards

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. Ralph Waldo Emerson

What are your favorite quotes, verses or other readings that inspire your living?